Method to Auto-Configure Gas Detectors Based on Real-Time Location

ABSTRACT

Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for determining the location of a gas detector device, wherein the location may be within a predefined location zone, and automatically configuring the gas detector device based on the location zone. Each location zone in a facility may be associated with a configuration for the gas detector device. The location of the gas detector device may be monitored by a central station, and when it is determined that a gas detector device has moved from one location zone to another, the configuration of the gas detector device may be updated accordingly. Additionally, other parameters may be monitored by the central station and/or the gas detector device to determine the appropriate configuration of the gas detector device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/730,794, filed Jun. 4, 2015 and entitle “Method To Auto-Configure GasDetectors Based On Real-Time Location”, which claims priority to and thebenefit of India Provisional Application Serial No. 1340/DEL/2015, filedMay 13, 2015 in the India Patent Office and entitled “Method ToAuto-Configure Gas Detectors Based On Real-Time Location”, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Gas detector devices are typically used in environments containing, ofhaving the potential to contain, harmful gases. In a safety relatedwireless gas detection environment, tracking a worker in a facility isimportant. Some facilities using wireless gas detection may comprisemultiple different areas where different gasses, or different levels ofgasses, may be present, wherein workers may be required to move betweenthe different areas during their daily activities.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure may include a method for configuring a gasdetector device, the method comprising: detecting gas, by the gasdetector device, in a first location zone, wherein the gas detectordevice is configured for the first location zone; determining that thegas detector device has entered a second location zone; configuring thegas detector device for the second location zone; detecting gas in thesecond location zone; and alerting a user when the detected gas is overa threshold, wherein the threshold is defined by the configuration ofthe gas detector device.

In some embodiments, the gas detector device comprises a plurality ofgas sensors, and configuring the gas detector device comprisesdeactivating one or more of the gas sensors and activating one or moreof the gas sensors. In some embodiments, configuring the gas detectordevice comprises changing the threshold for alert. In some embodiments,the method further comprises determining the identity of the user of thegas detector device; and configuring the gas detector device based onthe identity of the user, wherein the user's identity is associated withthresholds for alert. In some embodiments, the method further comprisesdetermining the time of day when the gas detector device is in use; andconfiguring the gas detector device based on the time of day, whereinthe time of day is associated with thresholds for alert and associatedwith types of gas that should be detected. In some embodiments, themethod further comprises determining the type of the gas detectordevice. In some embodiments, the method further comprises defining aplurality of location zones within a facility, wherein each locationzone is associated with a configuration for the gas detector device. Insome embodiments, determining the location of the gas detector device isaccomplished using global positioning systems. In some embodiments,determining the location of the gas detector device is accomplishedusing wireless triangulation systems.

Additional aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a methodfor configuring a gas detector device, the method comprising powering onthe gas detector device; configuring the gas detector device in adefault configuration; determining that the gas detector device hasentered a first location zone; configuring the gas detector device forthe first location zone; determining that the gas detector device hasentered a second location zone; and configuring the gas detector devicefor the second location zone, wherein each location zone is associatedwith a configuration for the gas detector device, and whereinconfiguring comprises defining threshold limits, and indicating gassensor activation.

In some embodiments, determining the location of the gas detector deviceis accomplished using global positioning systems. In some embodiments,determining the location of the gas detector device is accomplishedusing wireless triangulation systems. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises defining a plurality of location zones within afacility, wherein each location zone is associated with a configurationfor the gas detector device. In some embodiments, the gas detectordevice comprises a plurality of gas sensors, and wherein configuring thegas detector device comprises deactivating one or more of the gassensors and activating one or more of the gas sensors.

Other aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a method forconfiguring a gas detector device, the method comprising receiving, by acentral station, detected gas data from the gas detector device;receiving, by the central station, location data from the gas detectordevice; determining that the gas detector device has moved from a firstlocation zone to a second location zone based on the received locationdata; accessing, by the central station, configuration instructionsassociated with the second location zone; and sending, by the centralstation, the configuration instructions associated with the secondlocation zone to the gas detector device, wherein the gas detectordevice uses the configuration instructions to update the configurationof the gas detector device.

In some embodiments, receiving location data from the gas detectordevice occurs approximately every two minutes. In some embodiments, theconfiguration instructions comprise defining threshold limits, andindicating gas sensor activation. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises storing, by the central station, the received locationdata for future reference, wherein determining that the gas detectordevice has moved from a first location zone to a second location zonebased on the received location data comprises comparing the currentlyreceived location data to previously sorted location data. In someembodiments, the method further comprises sending a confirmation messageto the gas detector device before sending the configurationinstructions; and receiving a response from the gas detector device. Insome embodiments, the method further comprises defining a plurality oflocation zones within a facility, wherein each location zone isassociated with a configuration for the gas detector device; andstoring, by the central station, the location zone information andassociations.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, referenceis now made to the following brief description, taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein likereference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a facility comprising a plurality of location zonesaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a method for configuring a gas detector deviceaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrativeimplementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, thedisclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number oftechniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. Thedisclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrativeimplementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may bemodified within the scope of the appended claims along with their fullscope of equivalents.

The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout theapplication:

The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should beinterpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context;

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and thelike generally mean that the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic following the phrase may be included in at least oneembodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more thanone embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example,”it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example;

The terms “about” or approximately” or the like, when used with anumber, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range inproximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill inthe art field; and

If the specification states a component or feature “can,” “could,”“should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,”“for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language) be includedor have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is notrequired to be included or to have the characteristic. Such component orfeature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may beexcluded.

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and methods forconfiguring gas detector devices based on location. Typically, if aworker moves from one area or zone of a facility to another, the gasdetector device carried by the user may be required to come out ofservice for the configuration to be changed. Alternatively, a user maybe required to switch to a new gas detector device that is configuredfor the new area or zone. These steps may take time out of the workersday to ensure that the device he is carrying is configured correctly.Also, it may be possible for a worker to carry a device withinappropriate configuration into an area, which may lead to safetyissues if a gas alarm is not raised at the intended levels for thatarea. Device availability may be reduced if workers have to switchdevices at each area or zone.

Embodiments of the disclosure may comprise systems and methods fordetermining the location of a gas detector device, wherein the locationmay be within a predefined location zone, and automatically configuringthe gas detector device based on the location zone. Each location zonein a facility may be associated with a configuration for the gasdetector device. The location of the gas detector device may bemonitored by a central station, and when it is determined that a gasdetector device has moved from one location zone to another, theconfiguration of the gas detector device may be updated accordingly.Additionally, other parameters may be monitored by the central stationand/or the gas detector device to determine the appropriateconfiguration of the gas detector device.

Additionally, similar methods and systems may be applied to any personalprotective equipment (PPE) device, where the location of the PPE devicemay be determined using similar methods. One or more PPE device may beused or required in a specific zone, and may be monitored within thatzone. Additionally, some PPE device may require alteration when movingfrom zone to zone.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a facility 100 is shown, wherein within thefacility 100, a plurality of location zones 131, 132, 133 have beendefined. The location zones 131, 132, 133 may he defined based on thetype(s) of gas to be detected in that area, levels of gas anticipated inthat area, types of equipment in that number of workers in that area,personal protection equipment required for that area, among othersimilar distinctions. For example, the criticality of the zone, as wellas the historical incident information for the zone, may be taken intoconsideration when defining the zone boundaries and requirements. Thelocation zones 131, 132, 133 may be predefined, and the zone definitionsmay be stored at the central station 120. In some embodiments, thelocation zones 131, 132, 133 may be dynamically changed based on changesthat occur within the facility.

In some embodiments, the facility 100 may comprise a communicationnetwork, which may comprise one or more access points 104, one or morelocation beacons 102, and a central station 120, wherein the centralstation 120 may receive data and information from devices within thefacility 100 and monitor that information. Additionally, the centralstation 120 may comprise a user interface 122, wherein the received dataand information may be displayed by the user interface 122.

In some embodiments, one of more gas detector device 106 may be carriedby a user within the facility 100. The gas detector device 106 maydetect the concentration of harmful gases in the area a user is workingin. The gas detector device 106 may be operable to alert the user whenthe detected gas exceeds a threshold for a particular gas. In someembodiments, the gas detector device 106 may wirelessly communicate withthe one or more access point 104, wherein the gas detector device 106may communicate data to the central station 120 via the one or moreaccess point 104. The gas detector device 106 may communicate gasconcentration data, alert status, and other information to the centralstation 120. In some embodiments, the gas detector device 106 maycommunication location information to the central station 120.

In some embodiments, the gas detector device 106 may communicate withthe location beacons 102 to determine the location of the gas detectordevice 106 within the facility 100. The location of the gas detectordevice 106 may be determined by a triangulation algorithm usinginformation from the beacons 102. In some embodiments, the beacons 102may communicate directly with the central station 120, while in otherembodiments, the beacons 102 may communicate information to the gasdetector device 106, wherein the gas detector device 106 may thencommunicate the information to the central station 120. In analternative embodiment, the location of the gas detector device 106 maybe determined using a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connection between thegas detector device 106 and the one or more access points 104. In someembodiments, the location of the gas detector device 106 may bedetermined using a global positioning system (GPS).

In some alternative embodiments, the location of the gas detector device106 may be estimated based on the access point 104 that the device iscommunicating with. For example, the access point 104 may be locatedwithin a location zone 131, 132, 133, and any gas detector devices 106that are communicating with that access point 104 may be estimated to bein the same location zone as the access point 104. This may be asimpler, but less exact, method for determining the location of the gasdetector device 106. In some other embodiments, the gas detector device106 may communicate with neighboring gas detectors 106, as the gasdetector device 106 may not have connectivity to an access point 104directly. In this case, the neighboring detectors 106 can help inidentifying the location of the gas detector device 106 by routing toits parent node in the network 100, i.e. an access point 104.

In a facility 100 where one or more location zones 131, 132, 133 havebeen defined, the location of the gas detector device 106 may bedetermined to be within one of the location zones 131, 132, 133 of thefacility 100. In some embodiments, the location zones 131, 132, 133 maybe based on the definition of the location zone, including type of gasto be detected in that area, levels of gas anticipated in that area,types of equipment in that area, personal protection equipment requiredfor that area, among other similar distinctions. In some embodiments,the configuration may be based on the type of gas detector device 106,wherein each gas detector device 106 may comprise different gas sensors116 and capabilities. In some embodiments, the configuration may bebased on the date and/or time of day, wherein the processes taking placewithin each location zone of the facility, and therefore the potentialfor harmful gases and the identity of those gases in each zone, may varybased on the day and/or time of day. In some embodiments, theconfiguration may be based on the identification of the user, wherein auser may or may have health issues that affect the threshold of exposureto one or more harmful gases before an alert is triggered. In someembodiments, the identification of the user may be input by the user tothe gas detector device 106.

In some embodiments, configuring the gas detector device 106 maycomprise updating the threshold limits for alert for the gas sensor(s)116 in the gas detector device 106. In some embodiments, configurationmay comprise activating or deactivating gas sensors 116 in the gasdetector 106. For example, a first location zone may require a first gasto be sensed, and therefore a first gas sensor 116 to be activated,while a second location zone may require a second gas to be sensed, andtherefore a second gas sensor 116 to be activated (and the first gassensor 116 to be deactivated). In some embodiments, a combination of gassensors 116 may be activated at a time, allow the gas detector device116 to sense a plurality of gases.

Each possible configuration for the gas detector device(s) 106 may bestored at the central station 120, wherein the central station 120 mayreceive and/or determine the necessary information to provide aconfiguration for the gas detector device 106. The central station 120may receive location information for the gas detector device 106 andthen determine in which location zone 131, 132, 133 the gas detector islocated. The central station 120 may periodically receive locationinformation from each gas detector device 106 in the facility 100 anddetermine when a gas detector device 106 moves from on location zone toanother.

In some embodiments, the location zones 131, 132, 133 may be associatedwith different configurations for the gas detector device(s) 106, whilein other embodiments, some of the location zones 131, 132, 133 may beassociated with similar configurations.

In some embodiments, updating the configuration of one or more gasdetector devices 106 may be initiated by a facility-wide roll out of newconfiguration requirements. This may occur when safety guidelines areupdates, new processes occur in the facility 100, or when any otherchange occurs that would require the gas detector device(s) 106 tooperate differently. For example, the threshold limits may be changed orupdated, and/or different gasses may be present in the facility. If afacility-wide change is made, the central station 120 may communicatethe new configuration information to the gas detector devices 106throughout the facility 100, and the updates may happen automatically,without requiring the devices 106 to come out of service.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a method 200 for configuring a gas detectordevice 106 is described. At step 232, the gas detector device 106 mayreceive location data from one or more location beacons and/or one ormore access points (as described in FIG. 1). At step 234, the gasdetector device 106 may then transmit the location data to the centralstation 120. In some embodiments, the gas detector device 106 maycommunicate with the central station 120 via a wireless connection, suchas via one or more access points (as described in FIG. 1). At step 236,the central station 120 may receive the location data, and at step 238,the central station may determine the location zone of the gas detectordevice 106 based on the location data. In some embodiments, theplurality location zones may be predefined and stored at the centralstation 120. At step 240, the central station 120 may determine if thegas detector device has entered a new location zone, wherein thepreviously determine location zone of the device may be stored by thecentral station 120. If the central station 120 determines that the gasdetector device 106 has not entered a new location zone (NO), the method200 may be repeated from the beginning, wherein the central station 120may periodically monitor the location of the gas detector device 106.

If the central station 120 determines that the gas detector device 106has entered a new location zone (YES), at step 242, the central station120 may send configuration instructions to the gas detector device 106based on the new location zone. In some embodiments, the central station120 may access a database wherein the location zones are associated witha configuration and stored in the database. At step 244, the gasdetector device 106 may receive the configuration instructions from thecentral station 120, and the gas detector device 106 may automaticallyupdate the configuration of the device 106 accordingly. After the gasdetector device 106 has updated, the method may be repeated from thebeginning, wherein the central station 120 may periodically monitor thelocation of the gas detector device 106. In some embodiments, the methodmay be repeated approximately every two minutes. In some embodiments,the method may be repeated approximately every one minute. In someembodiments, when the gas detector device 106 is in an alarm mode, themethod 200 may be repeated more frequently, such as every 10 seconds.

In some embodiments, a user may be able to indicate that the user, andtherefore the gas detector device 106, is entering a new location zone.This may initiate the method 200 manually, wherein the device 106 maythen be automatically updated to the configuration for the new locationzone. In some embodiments, after step 242 and before step 244, the gasdetector device 106 may display a confirmation message to the user andalert the user that the configuration of the device 106 should beupdated. In some embodiments, this message/alert may notify a user thatupdates have been made to the configuration of the gas detector device106. In some embodiments, the user may be required to positively respondto the confirmation message before the gas detector device 106 willcomplete the configuration updates. If a user responds negatively (ordoes not respond) to the confirmation message, and does not allow theupdates, the gas detector device 106 may send a notification to thecentral monitoring station 120 that the updates have not beenimplemented. A safety manager may then be able to take appropriateaction to avoid any incidents. In some embodiments, the user's responseto the confirmation message may be recorded by the central station 120for future reference. Additionally, all updates made to the gas detectordevice 106 may be recorded and stored by the central station 120.

In some embodiments, when the gas detector device 106 is first poweredon, the device 106 may comprise a default configuration. Then, when itis determined that the gas detector device 106 has entered a firstlocation zone, the configuration of the device 106 may be updated forthe first location zone. In some embodiments, the default configurationmay comprise a “conservative” configuration, which may include standardthreshold limits that are not customized for a specific location.Additionally, in gas detector devices 106 with multiple gas sensors, thedefault configuration may have all gas sensors activated.

Referring back to FIG. 1, embodiments of the disclosure may comprisemethods for configuring a gas detector device 106. The method maycomprise detecting gas, by the gas detector device 106, in a firstlocation zone 131, wherein the gas detector device 106 is configured forthe first location zone 131. The method may comprise determining thatthe gas detector device 106 has entered a second location zone 132 andconfiguring the gas detector device 106 for the second location zone132. The method may then comprise detecting gas, by the gas detectordevice 106, in the second location zone 132, and alerting a user whenthe detected gas is over a threshold, wherein the threshold is definedby the configuration of the gas detector device 106.

In some embodiments, the gas detector device 106 may comprise aplurality of gas sensors 116, wherein configuring the gas detectordevice 106 comprises deactivating one or more of the gas sensors 116 andactivating one or more of the gas sensors 116. In some embodiments,configuring the gas detector device 106 may comprise changing thethreshold for alert. In some embodiments, the method may furthercomprise determining the identity of the user of the gas detector device106, and configuring the gas detector device 106 based on the identityof the user, wherein the user's identity is associated with thresholdsfor alert. In some embodiments, the method may further comprisedetermining the time of day when the gas detector device 106 is in use,and configuring the gas detector device 106 based on the time of day,wherein the time of day is associated with thresholds for alert andassociated with types of gas that should be detected. In someembodiments, the method may further comprise determining the type of thegas detector device 106. In some embodiments, the method may furthercomprise defining a plurality of location zones 131, 132, 133 within afacility 100, wherein each location zone is associated with aconfiguration for the gas detector device 106. In some embodiments,determining the location of the gas detector device 106 is accomplishedusing global positioning systems. In some embodiments, determining thelocation of the gas detector device 106 is accomplished using wirelesstriangulation systems.

Embodiments of the disclosure may comprise additional methods forconfiguring a gas detector device 106. The method may comprise poweringon the gas detector device 106 and configuring the gas detector device106 in a default configuration. The method may then comprise determiningthat the gas detector device 106 has entered a first location zone 131,and configuring the gas detector device 106 for the first location zone131. The method may then comprise determining that the gas detectordevice 106 has entered a second location zone 132, and configuring thegas detector device 106 for the second location zone 132, wherein eachlocation zone 131 and 132 is associated with a configuration for the gasdetector device 106, and wherein configuring comprises definingthreshold limits, and indicating gas sensor activation.

In some embodiments, determining the location of the gas detector device106 is accomplished using global positioning systems. In someembodiments, determining the location of the gas detector device 106 isaccomplished using wireless triangulation systems. In some embodiments,the method may further comprise defining a plurality of location zones131, 132, 133 within a facility 100, wherein each location zone isassociated with a configuration for the gas detector device 106. In someembodiments, the gas detector device 106 comprises a plurality of gassensors 116, wherein configuring the gas detector device 106 comprisesdeactivating one or more of the gas sensors 116 and activating one ormore of the gas sensors 116.

Embodiments of the disclosure may comprise additional methods forconfiguring a gas detector device 106. The method may comprisereceiving, by a central station 120, detected gas data from the gasdetector device 106 and receiving, by the central station 120, locationdata from the gas detector device 106. The method may comprisedetermining that the gas detector device 106 has moved from a firstlocation zone 131 to a second location zone 132 based on the receivedlocation data The method may comprise accessing, by the central station120, configuration instructions associated with the second location zone132, and sending, by the central station 120, the configurationinstructions associated with the second location zone 132 to the gasdetector device 106, wherein the gas detector device 106 uses theconfiguration instructions to update the configuration of the gasdetector device 106.

In some embodiments, receiving location data from the gas detectordevice 106 occurs approximately every two minutes. In some embodiments,the configuration instructions comprise defining threshold limits, andindicating gas sensor activation. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises storing, by the central station 120, the receivedlocation data for future reference, and the step of determining that thegas detector device 106 has moved from a first location zone 131 to asecond location zone 132 based on the received location data comprisescomparing the currently received location data to previously sortedlocation data. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sendinga confirmation message to the gas detector device 106 before sending theconfiguration instructions, and receiving a response from the gasdetector device 106. In some embodiments, the method further comprisesdefining a plurality of location zones 131, 132, 133 within a facility100, wherein each location zone is associated with a configuration forthe gas detector device 106, and storing, by the central station 120,the location zone information and associations.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosedherein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may bemade by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and theteachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein arerepresentative only and are not intended to be limiting. Manyvariations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are withinthe scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result fromcombining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s)are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope ofprotection is not limited by the description set out above, but isdefined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalentsof the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim isincorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claimsare embodiment(s) of the present invention(s). Furthermore, anyadvantages and features described above may relate to specificembodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claimsto processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the aboveadvantages or having any or all of the above features.

Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided forconsistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to otherwiseprovide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit orcharacterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue fromthis disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although theheadings might refer to a “Field,” the claims should not be limited bythe language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field.Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to beconstrued as an admission that certain technology is prior art to anyinvention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to beconsidered as a limiting characterization of the invention(s) set forthin issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to“invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there isonly a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventionsmay be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claimsissuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define theinvention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In allinstances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their ownmerits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by theheadings set forth herein.

Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should beunderstood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of,consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of theterm “optionally,” “may,” “might,” “possibly,” and the like with respectto any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required,or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives beingwithin the scope of the embodiment(s). Also, references to examples aremerely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to beexclusive.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure,it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may beembodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spiritor scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is notto be limited to the details given herein. For example, the variouselements or components may be combined or integrated in another systemor certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described andillustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may becombined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, ormethods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating witheach other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through someinterface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically,mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions,and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could bemade without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for configuring a gas detector device,the method comprising: receiving, by a central station, detected gasdata from the gas detector device; receiving, by the central station,location data from the gas detector device; determining whether the gasdetector device has moved from a first location zone to a secondlocation zone based on the received location data; accessing, by thecentral station, configuration instructions associated with the secondlocation zone when the gas detector device has moved to the secondlocation zone; and sending, by the central station, the configurationinstructions associated with the second location zone to the gasdetector device, wherein the gas detector device uses the configurationinstructions to update a current configuration of the gas detectordevice.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein receiving the location datafrom the gas detector device at periodic intervals of time.
 23. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the configuration instructions comprisedefining threshold limits of gas concentration and causing a pluralityof gas sensors, located within the gas detector device, to activate ordeactivate.
 24. The method of claim 21 further comprising storing, bythe central station, the received location data, wherein determiningwhether the gas detector device has moved from the first location zoneto the second location zone based on the received location datacomprises comparing currently received location data to previouslystored location data.
 25. The method of claim 21 further comprising:sending a confirmation message to the gas detector device before sendingthe configuration instructions; and receiving a response from the gasdetector device.
 26. The method of claim 21 further comprising storing,by the central station, the configuration instructions received by thegas detector device.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein accessing theconfiguration instructions comprises: defining a plurality of locationzones within a facility, wherein each location zone is associated with aparticular configuration for the gas detector device; and storing, bythe central station, the location zone and corresponding configurations.28. The method of claim 27, wherein defining the plurality of locationzones further comprises: defining a boundary for each of the pluralityof location zones based on at least one or more of a criticality of anarea or historical incident information of the area, a type of gas to bedetected in the area, concentration levels of a gas anticipated in thearea, types of equipment available in the area, a number of workers inthe area, or a personal protection equipment required for the area. 29.The method of claim 28, wherein the boundary for each of the pluralityof location zones is defined dynamically.